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The Bureau allocates positions for Child Protective Services workers based mainly on caseload data; However, incorporating child population and poverty rates in the allocaton process should be considered.

The objectives of this audit were to identify and review the Bureau for Children and Families' (BCF) child protective service (CPS) worker allocation process and determine if other methods should be used. Also, PERD was asked to determine if population is considered in staffing allocation. PERD found that the BCF allocates CPS workers based on the percentage of accepted CPS cases to a region and district. While the agency typically allocates workers using this method, it does allow for exceptions, which changes the allocation in two or more districts.

It is the Legislative Auditor’s opinion that those individuals who have completed the four-year social work training program designed by DHHR should be eligible to take the social work national exam within their college education level.

The objective was to conduct a performance audit of the provisional license to practice as a social worker and the application process by which a provisional licensee may become a licensed social worker. Senate Bill 312, passed on March 5, 2020, eliminated the non-related degree social worker, and eliminated the ability of those individuals with a related and non-related degree to complete the four-year training program designed by Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) to become a licensed social worker by the extended June 30, 2020 date.

The Legislature should consider eliminating the dual-title provision since it results in two people carrying out the duties of the secretary and commissioner, and at salaries that are significantly above statutory salaries.

The objective of this review was to examine the cost, possible duplication of services, and rationale for a person having the dual title and responsibilities of DOT secretary and DOH commissioner. The Legislative Auditor contends that the statutory responsibilities of the commissioner and the cabinet secretary cannot be accomplished by one person because a single individual realistically cannot be effective serving in this dual role.

Licensure of Hearing Aid Dealers is needed, but could be administered by the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

The objective of this review was to determine if licensure of hearing aid dealers is necessary to protect the public and if so, whether an independent board is necessary to administer licensure. This review also assessed the Board’s compliance with Chapter 30 requirements and other applicable sections of West Virginia Code. The Legislative Auditor finds that the Board is inaccessible and does not protect the public. Licensure continues to be necessary; however, the Board itself is unnecessary and licensure could be administered by the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

The Board in necessary to protect the public but could be placed within a multi-professional licensing agency.

To determine if there is a continued need for licensure by the Nursing Home Administrators’ Licensing Board, PERD assessed whether the Board complied with the general provisions of Chapter 30 and other applicable laws, and evaluate the Board’s website for user-friendliness and transparency. The Board is necessary to protect the public and complies with most of the provisions of Chapter 30 of West Virginia Code, however it could benefit from being included in a multi-professional licensing agency.

The Legislature should consider eliminating the Board of Licensed Dietitians because it substantially duplicates the national commission on dietetic registration, and title protection can be provided statutorily.

The objective of this review was to determine if licensure of dietitians is necessary to protect the public. This review also assessed the Board’s compliance with Chapter 30 requirements and other applicable sections of West Virginia Code. The Legislative Auditor finds that the Board of Licensed Dietitians should be terminated for several reasons, including West Virginia licensure fully duplicates the national credential; adequate public protection exists without a regulatory board; and complaints are infrequent.

To address an accounting firm’s costly errors, the Department of Administration imposed requirements on state agencies contracting accounting firms that restrict trade and do not address the issue of competency

The objective of this review was to determine if the Purchasing Division made changes to the minimum requirements for audits of public agencies in an objective and transparent manner to ensure minimal impact to West Virginia based accounting firms and state agencies impacted by the new requirements. The new procurement requirements are bias towards large audit firms being eligible.

The General Service Division is finding it difficult to properly maintain state facilities because the Department of Administration purchases properties with little concern of the financial implications.

The objectives of this update are to determine to what extent the DOA responded to the eight recommendations made in the September 2015 PERD report on the GSD, and to assess the agency’s overall financial condition as of fiscal year 2021. PERD found that while the GSD is moving in the right direction, and its financial situation is improving, the legislative auditor anticipates the GSD will be under financial stress for several years, unless there are significant increases in lottery revenues, or state appropriated funds.

The Hospital Finance Board has not established internal control or oversight over timekeeping, revenue, purchasing, or travel, resulting in significant errors.

The objective of this review was to determine if the Hospital Finance Authority has internal controls to ensure compliance with state rules and W. Va. Code. The Authority is at a higher risk for fraud and abuse because the agency cannot properly segregate duties with one employee nor provide adequate employee oversight. The Hospital Finance Board has not established control activities for operational processes, resulting in non-compliance with the State Travel Rule, improper leave use, and overpayments to the State Treasurer’s Office.

Addresses complaints raised by licensees of the West Virginia Board of Real Estates Appraisers claiming the Board is not complying with West Virginia Code §30-38-17.

The Legislative Auditor directed The Performance Evaluation and Research Division (PERD) to evaluate allegations, pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 2, Section 5 of the West Virginia Code, after PERD received complaints from the public and licensees stating that the Board was not following W.Va. Code which requires a public hearing or public comment period be held when the Board adopts new editions of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

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